Power boost mode for a blender

ABSTRACT

A blender using different power modes is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a base assembly, a container assembly, an electrical motor, a blending component, a control interface, control circuitry, and/or other components. The control circuitry may be configured to make different types of detections related to the availability and/or usage of electrical power, and may control the electrical motor using at least two different power modes of operation, thus providing different amounts of power to the electrical motor in different power modes of operation.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to blenders configured to controldifferent blending modes of operation.

BACKGROUND

Blenders are known, typically as consumer-grade home appliances. Userinterfaces are known, e.g., for home appliances.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a blender configured toblend foodstuffs using different power modes of operation. In someimplementations, the blender may be portable due to its size, and/or itsrechargeability. By virtue of true portability, a user can take theblender anywhere and create drinks, shakes, smoothies, baby food,sauces, and/or other concoctions. Once the blender is fully charged, auser can prepare multiple servings quickly and easily. In someimplementations, lack of an external power source, much less a reliableexternal power source, is no longer preventing users from enjoyingblended drinks and/or other foodstuffs. By virtue of the controlinterface and corresponding control circuitry described in thisdisclosure, different power modes of operation may be available to theuser.

The blender may include a blending component, a base assembly, acontainer assembly, a control interface, control circuitry, and/or othercomponents. As used herein, the term “foodstuffs” may includeingredients ranging from solid to liquid, from hot to cold or frozen, inany combination. As used herein, the term “ingredient” merely connotatessomething fit to ingest, and not necessarily nutritional value. Forexample, ice and/or ice cubes may be ingredients. The blending componentmay be configured to rotate around a rotational axis and blend thefoodstuffs during blending by the blender. The base assembly may includean electrical motor, a rechargeable battery, one or more charginginterfaces, and/or other components. The electrical motor may beconfigured to drive rotation of the blending component. The rechargeablebattery may be configured to power the electrical motor. The one or morecharging interfaces may be configured to conduct electrical power to oneor both of the rechargeable battery and the electrical motor. In someimplementations, the container assembly may be configured to hold thefoodstuffs within a container body during blending by the blender. Insome implementations, the control interface may be configured to controloperation of the blender upon usage of the control interface by a user.

In some implementations, the control circuitry may be configured to makea first type of detections regarding the usage of the control interfaceby the user. In some implementations, the control circuitry may beconfigured to make a second type of detections regarding availability ofpower from the rechargeable battery. In some implementations, thecontrol circuitry may be configured to make a third type of detectionsregarding usage of the one or more charging interfaces to conduct theelectrical power to one or both of the rechargeable battery and theelectrical motor. In some implementations, the control circuitry may beconfigured to control, based on one or more detections of the first,second, and third type of detections, the electrical motor during therotation of the blending component using at least two different powermodes of operation, including a first power mode of operation and asecond power mode of operation. During the first power mode ofoperation, a first amount of electrical power may be provided by therechargeable battery to the electrical motor such that the blendingcomponent is configured to rotate at a first rotational speed. The firstrotational speed may be limited in the first power mode of operation bya first rotational speed. In some implementations, in the first powermode of operation, the electrical motor may be powered only by therechargeable battery. During the second power mode of operation, asecond amount of electrical power may be provided to the electricalmotor. The second amount of electrical power may be provided conjointlyby the rechargeable battery and through at least one of the one or morecharging interfaces such that the blending component is configured torotate at a second rotational speed. The second rotational speed may belimited in the second power mode of operation by a second rotationalspeed limit. The second amount of electrical power may be greater thanthe first amount of electrical power (or, in other words, boosted). Thesecond rotational speed limit may be greater than the first rotationalspeed limit.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method forcontrolling operation of a blender to blend foodstuffs using differentpower modes of operation. In some implementations, the method mayinclude making a first type of detections regarding usage of a controlinterface by a user. The method may include making a second type ofdetections regarding availability of power from a rechargeable battery.The method may include making a third type of detections regarding usageof one or more charging interfaces to conduct electrical power to one orboth of the rechargeable battery and an electrical motor. The method mayinclude controlling, based on one or more detections of the first,second, and third type of detections, the electrical motor duringrotation of a blending component using at least two different powermodes of operation, including a first power mode of operation and asecond power mode of operation.

In some implementations, during the first power mode of operation, afirst amount of electrical power may be provided by the rechargeablebattery to the electrical motor such that the blending component isconfigured to rotate at a first rotational speed. The first rotationalspeed may be limited in the first power mode of operation by a firstrotational speed limit. In the first power mode of operation, theelectrical motor may be powered only by the rechargeable battery. Insome implementations, during the second power mode of operation, asecond amount of electrical power is provided to the electrical motor.The second amount of electrical power may be provided conjointly by therechargeable battery and through at least one of the one or morecharging interfaces such that the blending component is configured torotate at a second rotational speed. The second rotational speed may belimited in the second power mode of operation by a second rotationalspeed limit. The second amount of electrical power may be greater thanthe first amount of electrical power. The second rotational speed limitmay be greater than the first rotational speed limit.

As used herein, any association (or relation, or reflection, orindication, or correspondency) involving assemblies, blendingcomponents, blades, motors, rotational axes, longitudinal axes,diameters, batteries, couplings, interfaces, buttons, detectors,detections, indicators, magnetic components, rotations, rotationalspeeds, speed limits, modes of operation, amounts of electrical power,couplings, and/or another entity or object that interacts with any partof the blender and/or plays a part in the operation of the blender, maybe a one-to-one association, a one-to-many association, a many-to-oneassociation, and/or a many-to-many association or “N”-to-“M” association(note that “N” and “M” may be different numbers greater than 1).

As used herein, the term “effectuate” (and derivatives thereof) mayinclude active and/or passive causation of any effect. As used herein,the term “determine” (and derivatives thereof) may include measure,calculate, compute, estimate, approximate, generate, and/or otherwisederive, and/or any combination thereof.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedcomponents of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a charging structure and a blenderconfigured to blend foodstuffs using different power modes of operation,in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 shows a method for controlling operation of a blender to blendfoodstuffs using different power modes of operation, in accordance withone or more implementations.

FIGS. 3A-3B-3C-3D-3E-3F-3G illustrate state transitions in statediagrams as may be used by a blender configured to blend foodstuffsusing different power modes of operation, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric elevated view of a charging structure and ablender configured to blend foodstuffs using different power modes ofoperation, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a bottom view of a base assembly of a blenderconfigured to blend foodstuffs using different power modes of operation,in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a blender 100 configured to blend foodstuffs usingdifferent power modes of operation, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. FIG. 1 furthermore shows a combination 101 of blender100 and a charging structure 21. Combination 101 may also be referred toas a blending system 101.

Blender 100 may include one or more of a base assembly 11, a containerassembly 12, a blending component 133, a control interface 29, controlcircuitry 17 (depicted in FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicate thiscomponent may be embedded within base assembly 11, and not readilyvisible from the outside), and/or other components. Charging structure21 may be configured to support charging of blender 100. In someimplementations, charging structure 21 may be powered through anexternal power source (not depicted) that is external to blender 100,e.g., through a connector 21 a. In some implementations, connector 21 amay be configured to plug into a socket and/or power supply. In someimplementations, blender 100 may be configured to support differentand/or simultaneous types of charging.

Base assembly 11 and container assembly 12 may be configured to becoupled during blending by blender 100. For example, in someimplementations, base assembly 11 and container assembly 12 may bemechanically coupled, e.g., through one or more mechanical couplings 16,which may be threaded. Other types of couplings may be envisioned forblender 100, though leak-proof options are preferred, since blenderusage commonly includes one or more liquid ingredients. In someimplementations, control circuitry 17 and/or other components may beincluded in base assembly 11, e.g., within base assembly 11. Forexample, one or more of control interface 29, control circuitry 17,electrical motor 14 (depicted in FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle toindicate this component may be embedded within base assembly 11, and notreadily visible from the outside), rechargeable battery 15 (depicted inFIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicate this component may be embeddedwithin base assembly 11, and not readily visible from the outside),and/or other components may be integrated permanently into base assembly11 such that base assembly 11 forms an integral whole. In someimplementations, the phrase “integrated permanently” may refer tocomponents being integrated such that they are not readily accessible,serviceable, and/or replaceable by a user, or at least not duringordinary usage by the user, including, but not limited to, charging,blending, cleaning, and storing for later use.

In some implementations, base assembly 11 may include one or more of abase body (e.g., a housing configured to contain the components of baseassembly 11), blending component 133 (e.g., a set of blades 13, alsoreferred to as a set of one or more blades 13), electrical motor 14, arechargeable battery 15, one or more charging interfaces 25 (a firstcharging interface is depicted in FIG. 1 as a charging port visible onthe outside of blender 100, and a second charging interface is depictedin FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicate this component may beembedded within base assembly 11, and not readily visible from theoutside), one or more mechanical couplings 16, a detector 18 (depictedin FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicate this component may beembedded within base assembly 11, and not readily visible from theoutside), one or more alignment indicators 19, control interface 29(depicted in FIG. 1 as being marked with a swirl symbol), and/or othercomponents.

In some implementations, one or more mechanical couplings 16 may includethreaded couplings. For example, one or more mechanical couplings 16 mayinclude a first mechanical coupling and a second mechanical coupling. Insome implementations, the first mechanical coupling may be included inbase assembly 11, and may be a female threaded coupling configured tofit together with the second mechanical coupling (which may be includedin container assembly 12). Other implementations are envisioned withinthe scope of this disclosure. The first mechanical coupling and thesecond mechanical coupling may be configured to (temporarily anddetachably) couple base assembly 11 to container assemble 12.

Referring to FIG. 1 , blending component 133 may include one or morestructural components configured to blend foodstuffs, including but notlimited to one or more blending bars, one or more blades, and/or otherstructural components configured to rotate. For example, in someimplementations, blending component 133 may include set of blades 13,which may be rotatably mounted to base assembly 11 to blend foodstuffs.Blending component 133 may be configured to rotate around a rotationalaxis 13 a. Rotational axis 13 a is depicted in FIG. 1 as a geometrictwo-dimensional line extending indefinitely through blending component133, and is not a physical axis. Rather, rotational axis 13 a indicateshow blending component 133 rotates in relation to other components ofblender 100, e.g., in a rotational direction 13 b. In someimplementations, blending component 133 may be mounted permanently tobase assembly 11. In some implementations, set of blades 13 may includeone, two, three, four, five, or more pairs of blades. In someimplementations, a pair of blades may include two blades on oppositesides of rotational axis 13 a. In some implementations, a pair of bladesmay have two blades such that the distal ends of these two blades are atthe same horizontal level. In some implementations, as depicted in theupright configuration of blender 100 in FIG. 1 , set of blades 13 mayinclude six blades that form three pairs of blades. In someimplementations, set of blades 13 may include at least two downwardblades, which may prevent and/or reduce foodstuffs remaining unblendedwhen disposed under the upward blades. In some implementations, set ofblades 13 may include at least four upward blades. In someimplementations, including six blades may be preferred over includingless than six blades, in particular for blending ice and/or ice cubes.By using more blades, more points of contact will hit the ice atsubstantially the same time, which reduces the likelihood that a pieceof ice is merely propelled rather than broken, crushed, and/or blended,in particular for implementations using a limited amount of power (here,the term limited is used in comparison to non-portable counter-topblenders that are permanently connected to common outlets duringblending), such as disclosed herein. As used herein, directional termssuch as upward, downward, left, right, front, back, and so forth arerelative to FIG. 1 unless otherwise noted.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in some implementations, base assembly 11 may havea cylindrical and/or conical shape (apart from blending component 133and/or set of blades 13). In some implementations, the shape of baseassembly 11 may have a base diameter between 2 and 4 inches. In someimplementations, the shape of base assembly 11 may have a base diameterbetween 3 and 3.5 inches. Such a base diameter may improve portability,as well as allow blender 100 to be stored in a cup holder, e.g., in avehicle. In some implementations, base assembly may include base pads 22at the bottom, e.g., for improved stability in an upright position. Insome implementations, base pads 22 may couple and/or connect withcharging structure 21. In some implementations, base assembly 11 andcharging structure 21 may be mechanically coupled, e.g., through one ormore mechanical couplings 26, which may be threaded. In someimplementations, one or more mechanical couplings 26 may includethreaded couplings. For example, one or more mechanical couplings 26 mayinclude a first mechanical base coupling and a second mechanical basecoupling. In some implementations, the first mechanical base couplingmay be included in base assembly 11, and may be a female threadedcoupling configured to fit together with the second mechanical basecoupling (which may be included in charging structure 21). Otherimplementations are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. Thefirst mechanical base coupling and the second mechanical base couplingmay be configured to (temporarily and detachably) couple base assembly11 to charging structure 21. In some implementations, charging structure21 may include pads 22 b at the bottom, e.g., for improved stability inan upright position.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 5A shows a bottom view of baseassembly 11, including base pads 22. In some implementations, base pads22 may be shaped to provide a mechanical coupling with chargingstructure 21 (see FIG. 1 ). In some implementations, a mechanicalcoupling between base assembly 11 and charging structure 21 may provideimproved stability during blending. In some implementations, base pads22 may include magnetic elements. By way of non-limiting example, FIG.5B shows a bottom view of base assembly 11, including a mechanicalcoupling 22 c. In some implementations, mechanical coupling 22 c may beconfigured to provide a mechanical coupling between base assembly 11 andcharging structure 21. In some implementations, mechanical coupling 22 cmay provide improved stability during blending. In some implementations,mechanical coupling 22 c may include magnetic elements.

Referring to FIG. 1 , container assembly 12 may include one or more of acontainer body 20, a cap 24 (e.g., to prevent spilling during blending),a carrying strap 3 (e.g., configured to carry blender 100), and/or othercomponents. Container body 20 may form a vessel to hold and/or containfoodstuffs within container assembly 12. In some implementations,container assembly 12 and/or container body 20 may be a cylindrical bodyand/or have a cylindrical shape, as depicted in FIG. 4 . In someimplementations, container body 20 may be open at one or both ends. Insome implementations, container body 20 may be closed at the bottom. Insome implementations, the dimensions of container assembly 12 may besuch that the internal volume of container assembly 12 can hold 8, 10,12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48, or more ounces.

Referring to FIG. 1 , electrical motor 14 may be configured torotationally drive blending component 133. In some implementations,electrical motor 14 may operate at a voltage between 5V and 15V. In oneor more preferential implementations, electrical motor 14 may operate ata voltage of about 7.4V. In some implementations, electrical motor 14may be configured to operate at multiple different voltages, dependingon the power supplied to electrical motor 14. For example, during afirst mode of operation, electrical motor 14 may operate at a firstvoltage, during a second mode of operation, electrical motor 14 mayoperate at a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage, andso forth. In some implementations, electrical motor 14 may be auniversal motor. In some implementations, electrical motor 14 may have avariable-frequency drive. In some implementations, electrical motor 14may be a brushed DC electric motor.

In some implementations, electrical motor 14 may be configured to rotateblending component 133 at a particular rotational speed. In someimplementations, the rotational speed may be limited by a particularrotational speed limit. In some implementations, the particularrotational speed and/or the particular rotational speed limit may becontrolled, e.g., by control circuitry 17, such that different powermodes of operation correspond to different rotational speeds and/orrotational speed limits. For example, during a first power mode ofoperation, electrical motor 14 may be configured to rotate using a firstrotational speed and/or limited by a first rotational speed limit. Forexample, during a second power mode of operation, electrical motor 14may be configured to rotate using a second rotational speed and/orlimited by a second rotational speed limit. For example, during a thirdpower mode of operation, electrical motor 14 may be configured to rotateusing a third rotational speed and/or limited by a third rotationalspeed limit, and so forth. In some implementations, control circuit 17may be configured to control electrical motor 14 during rotation ofblending component 133. For example, control circuit 17 may control thespeed of the rotation of blending component 133 during blending byblender 100.

In some implementations, blender 100's maximum rotational speed mayrange between 15,000 rotations per minute (RPM) and 40,000 RPM. In someimplementations, blender 100's maximum rotational speed may rangebetween 10,000 rotations per minute (RPM) and 50,000 RPM. In one or moreimplementations, electrical motor 14 may rotate blending component 133at a rotational speed of about 16,500 RPM (e.g., during a first powermode of operation). In one or more implementations, electrical motor 14may rotate blending component 133 at a rotational speed ranging betweenabout 20,000 RPM and about 25,000 RPM (e.g., during a second and/orthird power mode of operation). In one or more implementations,electrical motor 14 may rotate blending component 133 at a rotationalspeed ranging between about 30,000 RPM and about 33,000 RPM (e.g.,during a second and/or third power mode of operation).

Electrical motor 14 may be configured to be powered by rechargeablebattery 15. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, in someimplementations, electrical motor 14 may be configured to be poweredthrough one or more charging interfaces 25. One or more charginginterfaces 25 may be configured to conduct electrical power to one orboth of rechargeable battery 15 and electrical motor 14.

Referring to FIG. 1 , rechargeable battery 15 may be configured to powerelectrical motor 14. In some implementations, and in some modes ofoperation, rechargeable battery 15 may be configured to power electricalmotor 14 such that, during blending by blender 100, no power is suppliedto electrical motor 14 from an external power source. In someimplementations, rechargeable battery 15 may be non-removable. As usedherein, the term “non-removable” may mean not accessible to users duringcommon usage of blender 100, including charging, blending, cleaning, andstoring for later use. In some implementations, rechargeable battery 15may be not user-replaceable (in other words, non-removable). In someimplementations, rechargeable battery 15 may be user-replaceable. Insome implementations, rechargeable battery 15 may be store-bought. Insome implementations, rechargeable battery 15 may have a capacitybetween 1000 mAh and 10000 mAh. In some implementations, control circuit17 may be configured to control charging of rechargeable battery 15. Forexample, control circuit 17 may control the transfer of electrical powerthrough one or more charging interfaces 25 into rechargeable battery 15.For example, responsive to a detection that rechargeable battery 15 isfully charged, control circuit 17 may prevent the transfer of electricalpower through charging interface 25 into rechargeable battery 15.

In some implementations, one or more charging interfaces 25 may bestandardized. In some implementations, one or more charging interfaces25 may be configured to conduct electrical power to rechargeable battery15. In some implementations, one or more charging interfaces 25 may beconfigured to conduct electrical power to charge rechargeable battery15, e.g., from an external power source. Alternatively, and/orsimultaneously, in some implementations, one or more charging interfaces25 may be configured to conduct electrical power to electrical motor 14.

In some implementations, one or more charging interfaces 25 may beconfigured to support wireless charging of rechargeable battery 15,e.g., from an external power source, including but not limited to(electromagnetic) induction-based charging. For example, in someimplementations, one or more charging interfaces 25 may include awireless charging interface that includes a coil. For example, thewireless charging interface in base assembly 11 may include a secondarycoil, and charging structure 21 may include a primary coil, such thatthe primary and secondary coils support inductive charging and/orinductive conducting of electrical power into blender 100 (throughinductive coupling between the primary and secondary coils). In someimplementations, charging structure 21 and blender 100 may be configuredto support charging through resonant inductive coupling. Chargingstructure 21 may be configured to charge blender 100. In someimplementations, charging structure 100 may be configured to supportwireless charging, such as, e.g., inductive charging. Alternatively,and/or simultaneously, in some implementations, charging structure 100may be configured to support charging through direct electrical contact.In some implementations, charging structure 21 may be a dock or dockingpad, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1 . In some implementations, chargingstructure 21 may be a charging mat or charging pad, as depicted in FIG.4 . By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 4 shows an isometric elevatedview of combination 101 of charging structure 21 and blender 100(including base assembly 11, control interface 29, container assembly12, cap 24, and other components).

Referring to FIG. 1 , in some implementations, one or more charginginterfaces 25 may include a universal serial bus (USB) port configuredto receive an electrical connector, e.g., for charging rechargeablebattery 15. The electrical connector, if used, may be connected to anexternal power source. A USB port is merely one type of standardizedcharging interface. Other standards are contemplated within the scope ofthis disclosure. In some implementations, one or more charginginterfaces 25 may support (at least part of) the Qi wireless chargingstandard. In some implementations, one or more charging interfaces 25may support (at least part of) one or more wireless charging standardswidely adopted in the industry. In some implementations, one or morecharging interfaces 25 may be covered for protection and/or otherreasons.

Detector 18 may be configured to detect whether mechanical couplings 16are coupled in a manner operable and suitable for blending by blender100. In some implementations, operation of detector 18 may use one ormore magnetic components. For example, in some implementations, one ormore magnetic components are included in container body 20. Engagementmay be detected responsive to these one or more magnetic componentsbeing aligned and sufficiently close to one or more matching magneticcomponents that may be included in base assembly 11. In someimplementations, blender 100 may include one or more alignmentindicators 19, depicted in FIG. 1 as matching triangles, to visually aidthe user in aligning base assembly 11 with container assembly 12 in amanner operable and suitable for blending. In some implementations, oneor more alignment indicators 19 may be in the front, in the back, and/orin other parts of blender 100.

In some implementations, detector 18 may be configured to detect whethermechanical couplings 26 are coupled in a manner operable and suitablefor providing electrical power to blender 100 and blending by blender100. In some implementations, operation of detector 18 may use one ormore magnetic components, similar as described above.

Control interface 29 may be part of the user interface of blender 100.Through the user interface, a user of blender 100 may control theoperation of blender 100, including but not limited to transitionsbetween different modes of operation. For example, the different modesof operation may include multiple (power) modes of operation. Forexample, in some implementations, the modes of operation include aready-to-blend mode. During the ready-to-blend mode, blender 100 is notblending, but blender 100 may be ready to blend. For example, blender100 may have sufficient power through rechargeable battery 15, andmechanical couplings 16 may be coupled in a manner operable and suitablefor blending by blender 100. The transitions may include transitionsfrom the ready-to-blend mode to other modes of operation, and/or viceversa.

In some implementations, the power modes of operation of blender 100 mayinclude at least two power modes of operation: a first power mode ofoperation, a second power mode of operation, and/or other power modes ofoperation. For example, during various modes of operation of blender100, control circuitry 17 may be configured to effectuate rotation ofblending component 133 (in other words, to effectuate blending), e.g.,for a particular duration. In some implementations, blender 100 may usea third and/or fourth power mode of operation. In some implementations,any power mode of operation that uses an additional source of power(i.e., in addition to rechargeable battery 15) may be referred to as apower boost mode, or a power boost mode of operation.

In some implementations, control interface 29 may include one or morebuttons. For example, a button of control interface 29 may be configuredto be pushed by the user (as used herein, a push may be released quicklyor may be held down, or may be followed by one or more additionalpushes, e.g. in the case of a double push). In some implementations,control interface 29 includes exactly one button. For example, in someimplementations, the button may be the only user-manipulatable portionof control interface 29, such that no other button or user interfacecomponent controls the operation of blender 100 or the transitionsbetween different modes of operation used by blender 100. In someimplementations, control interface 29 may include one or morecontrollable light-emitting components. For example, the light-emittingcomponents may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other types of lights.In some implementations, the one or more controllable light-emittingcomponents may be configured to selectively light up. In someimplementations, the one or more controllable light-emitting componentsmay be configured to indicate, to a user, a current mode of operation ofblender 100, an occurrence of a transition between different modes ofoperation, a warning for the user, and/or other information regardingthe operation of blender 100. For example, the one or more controllablelight-emitting components may use different colors, intensities,patterns, sequences, and/or other combinations of light to provideinformation to the user. In some implementations, control interface 29may include one or more controllable sound-emitting components, such asa speaker, configured to selectively emit sound. In someimplementations, the one or more controllable sound-emitting componentsmay be configured to indicate, to a user, a current mode of operation ofblender 100, an occurrence of a transition between different modes ofoperation, a warning for the user, and/or other information regardingthe operation of blender 100. For example, the one or more controllablesound-emitting components may use different frequencies, volumes,patterns, sequences, and/or other combinations of sound to provideinformation to the user. In some implementations, control interface 29may include one or more haptic components to provide feedback to a user.

Control circuitry 17 may be configured to control different functionsand/or operations of blender 100, including but not limited to turningblender 100 on and off, transitioning between different modes ofoperation, charging of rechargeable battery 15, controlling ofelectrical motor 14 regarding and/or during rotation of blendingcomponent 133, determining whether mechanical couplings 16 are engagedproperly for blending, determining whether mechanical couplings 26 areengaged properly for blending, controlling or otherwise using controlinterface 29, and/or performing other functions for blender 100. In someimplementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured to preventrotation of blending component 133 responsive to certain determinations,including but not limited to a determination that mechanical couplings16 are not engaged (or not engaged properly for the intended operationof blender 100). In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may beconfigured to use control interface 29 to convey information regardingthe operational status of blender 100 to a user. For example, controlinterface 29 may include a light that can illuminate in various colorsand/or patterns. In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may beimplemented as a printed circuit board (PCB).

In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured to makedifferent types of detections regarding blender 100. In someimplementations, a first type of detections may be regarding the usageof control interface 29 by the user. For example, control circuitry maydetect whether a button of control interface 29 has been pushed by auser, or released, or pushed again. In some implementations, a secondtype of detections may be regarding availability of power fromrechargeable battery 15. In some implementations, a third type ofdetections may be regarding usage of one or more charging interfaces 25to conduct electrical power to one or both of rechargeable battery 15and electrical motor 14. Additional types of detections are envisionedwithin the scope of this disclosure.

In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured tocontrol electrical motor 14, e.g., during the rotation of blendingcomponent 133. In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may beconfigured to control electrical motor 14 using at least two differentpower modes of operation, such as a first power mode of operation and asecond power mode of operation. Control by control circuitry 17 may bebased on one or more detections of the first, second, third, and/orother types. For example, the first power mode of operation may beselected by control circuitry 17 responsive to a combination of a firstdetection (being of the first type of detections, that a user pushed abutton) and a second detection (being of the second type of detections,that rechargeable battery 15 can provide power). In someimplementations, the second power mode of operation may be selected bycontrol circuitry 17 responsive to a combination of these first andsecond detections in addition to a third detection (being of the thirdtype of detections, that at least one of the one or more charginginterfaces 25 can provide power). In some implementations, the thirddetection may mean the user has plugged an active USB connector into theUSB port of blender 100, through which additional electrical power maybe available to blender 100 in general, and/or to electrical motor 14 inparticular. In some implementations, the third detection may mean theuser has coupled an active wireless charger to blender 100 (e.g.,through charging structure 21), through which additional electricalpower may be available to blender 100 in general, and/or to electricalmotor 14 in particular. In some implementations, a third power mode ofoperation may be selected by control circuitry 17 responsive to acombination of first and second detections in addition to a detectionthat multiple charging interfaces 25 can provide power to blender 100 ingeneral, and/or to electrical motor 14 in particular. Additional powermodes of operation are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

In some implementations, during a first power mode of operation, a firstamount of electrical power may be provided by rechargeable battery 15 toelectrical motor 14 such that blending component 133 is controlledand/or configured to rotate at a first rotational speed. The firstrotational speed may be limited in the first power mode of operation bya first rotational speed limit. In some implementations, in the firstpower mode of operation, electrical motor 14 may be powered only byrechargeable battery 15. In some implementations, during a second powermode of operation, a second amount of electrical power may be providedto electrical motor 14. The second amount of electrical power may beprovided conjointly by rechargeable battery 15 and through at least oneof the charging interfaces 25 such that blending component 133 iscontrolled and/or configured to rotate at a second rotational speed. Asused herein, the term “conjointly” refers to multiple sources ofelectrical power operating at the same time to provide electrical power,in this case to electrical motor 14 and/or other components of blender100. In other words, power provided by one source is combined with powerprovided by another source.

The second rotational speed may be limited in the second power mode ofoperation by a second rotational speed limit. In some implementations,the second amount of electrical power may be greater than the firstamount of electrical power. For example, in some implementations, thesecond amount of electrical power may be at least 20% greater than thefirst amount of electrical power. For example, in some implementations,the second amount of electrical power may be at least 30% greater, 40%greater, 50%, and/or 100% greater than the first amount of electricalpower. In some implementations, the second rotational speed limit may begreater than the first rotational speed limit. For example, in someimplementations, the second rotational speed limit may be at least 20%greater than the first rotational speed limit. For example, in someimplementations, the second rotational speed limit may be at least 30%greater, 40% greater, 50%, and/or 100% greater than the first rotationalspeed limit. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, in someimplementations, the output wattage of electrical motor 14 during thesecond power mode of operation may be about 20%, about 30%, about 40%,about 50%, and/or about 100% greater than the output wattage during thefirst power mode of operation. Alternatively, and/or simultaneously, insome implementations, the torque of electrical motor 14 during thesecond power mode of operation may be about 20%, about 30%, about 40%,about 50%, and/or about 100% greater than the torque during the firstpower mode of operation.

In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured tocontrol operation of control interface 29 to enable transitions betweendifferent modes of operation. The transitions may include a first,second, third, fourth, fifth transition, and so forth. For example, afirst transition may be from the ready-to-blend mode to the first powermode of operation. In some implementations, the first transition mayoccur responsive to an occurrence of the first type of detections (inthe ready-to-blend mode). For example, a second transition may be to thesecond power mode of operation, and so forth. In some implementations,the second transition may occur responsive to an occurrence of thesecond and/or third types of detections.

In some implementations, control by a user of blender 100 may be basedon a switch (not shown), a button, and/or other types of user interfacessuitable to turn consumer appliances on and off. Control interface 29(e.g., through one or more light-emitting components) may be configuredto illuminate in various colors (red, blue, purple, etc.) and/orpatterns (solid, fast blinking, slow blinking, alternating red and blue,etc.). Control interface 29 may convey information regarding theoperational status of blender 100 to a user. The operational status ofblender 100 may be determined by control circuitry 17. Control interface29 may be controlled by control circuitry 17. For example, if controlinterface 29 is solid purple, blender 100 may be charging and/orinsufficiently charged to blend. For example, if control interface 29 issolid blue, blender 100 may be ready for blending (e.g., in theready-to-blend mode). For example, if control interface 29 isalternating red and blue, blender 100 may not be ready for blending dueto base assembly 11 and container assembly 12 not being coupled properlyand/or fully. For example, in some implementations, threaded couplingsbetween assembly 11 and container assembly 12 may need to be tightenedsufficiently for proper operation of blender 100, and control interface29 may warn the user when the threaded couplings are not tightenedsufficiently and/or correctly.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3A illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 a as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 a may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”) and a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”). First state 35 a maycorrespond to a ready-to-blend mode of blender 100. Second state 35 bmay correspond to a first power mode of operation of blender 100. Asdepicted here, a first transition 31 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from first state 35 a to second state 35 b. Asecond transition 32 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100from second state 35 b to first state 35 a. First transition 31 mayoccur, e.g., responsive to detection of the first type of detection.Second transition 32 may occur automatically, e.g., after completion ofa blending operation.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3B illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 b as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 b may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), and a third state 35 c(labeled “S3”). First state 35 a may be similar as described regardingFIG. 3A. Second state 35 b may correspond to a second power mode ofoperation of blender 100. Third state 35 c may correspond to the firstpower mode of operation of blender 100. As depicted in state diagram 30b, a first transition 31 may transition the mode of operation of blender100 from first state 35 a to third state 35 c. A second transition 32may transition the mode of operation of blender 100 from second state 35b to first state 35 a. A third transition 33 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from third state 35 c to second state 35 b.First transition 31 may occur responsive to detection of the first typeof detection. In some implementations, first transition 31 may occurresponsive to detection of both the first type and the second type ofdetection. Third transition 33 may occur responsive to detection of thethird type of detection. Second transition 32 may occur automatically.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3C illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 c as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 c may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), and a third state 35 c(labeled “S3”). First state 35 a may be similar as described regardingFIG. 3A. Second state 35 b may correspond to the second power mode ofoperation of blender 100. Third state 35 c may correspond to the firstpower mode of operation of blender 100. As depicted in state diagram 30c, a first transition 31 may transition the mode of operation of blender100 from first state 35 a to second state 35 b. A second transition 32may transition the mode of operation of blender 100 from third state 35c to first state 35 a. A third transition 33 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from second state 35 b to third state 35 c.First transition 31 may occur responsive to detection of the first,second, and third types of detection. Third transition 33 may occurresponsive to a detection that none of the charging interfaces conductelectrical power. Second transition 32 may occur responsive to detectionof a given type of detection (e.g., depletion of the rechargeablebattery), and/or automatically after a time-out.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3D illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 d as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 c may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), a third state 35 c (labeled“S3”), and a fourth state 35 d (labeled “S4”). First state 35 a may besimilar as described regarding FIG. 3A. Second state 35 b may correspondto the second power mode of operation of blender 100. Third state 35 cmay correspond to the first power mode of operation of blender 100.Fourth state 35 d may correspond to a third power mode of operation ofblender 100. As depicted in state diagram 30 d, a first transition 31may transition the mode of operation of blender 100 from first state 35a to third state 35 c. A second transition 32 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from fourth state 35 d to first state 35 a. Athird transition 33 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100from third state 35 c to second state 35 b. A fourth transition 34 maytransition the mode of operation of blender 100 from second state 35 bto fourth state 35 d. First transition 31 may occur responsive todetections of the first and second types of detection. Third transition33 may occur responsive to the additional detection of a third type ofdetection (e.g., electrical power is available through the USB port inthe base assembly). Fourth transition 34 may occur responsive to anotheradditional detection of the third type of detection (e.g., electricalpower is available through the charging structure, which may provide awireless power transfer). Second transition 32 may occur responsive todetection of a given type of detection (e.g., depletion of therechargeable battery), and/or automatically after a time-out.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3E illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 e as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 e may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), and a third state 35 c(labeled “S3”). First state 35 a may correspond to a ready-to-blend modeof blender 100. Second state 35 b may correspond to the first power modeof operation of blender 100. Third state 35 c may correspond to thesecond power mode of operation of blender 100. As depicted here, a firsttransition 31 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100 fromfirst state 35 a to second state 35 b. A second transition 32 maytransition the mode of operation of blender 100 from first state 35 a tothird state 35 c. A third transition 33 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from second state 35 b to first state 35 a. Afourth transition 34 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100from third state 35 c to first state 35 a. First transition 31 may occurresponsive to detection of a combination of the first and second typesof detection. Second transition 32 may occur responsive to detection ofa combination of the first, second, and third types detection. Thirdtransition 33 may occur responsive to detection of a given type ofdetection (e.g., depletion of the rechargeable battery), and/orautomatically after a time-out. Fourth transition 34 may occurresponsive to detection of a given type of detection (e.g., depletion ofthe rechargeable battery), and/or automatically after a time-out.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3F illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 f as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 f may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), a third state 35 c (labeled“S3”), and a fourth state 35 d (labeled “S4”). First state 35 a maycorrespond to a ready-to-blend mode of blender 100. Second state 35 bmay correspond to the first power mode of operation of blender 100.Third state 35 c may correspond to the second power mode of operation ofblender 100. Fourth state 35 d may correspond to the third power mode ofoperation of blender 100. As depicted here, a first transition 31 maytransition the mode of operation of blender 100 from first state 35 a tosecond state 35 b. A second transition 32 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from first state 35 a to third state 35 c. Athird transition 33 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100from first state 35 a to fourth state 35 d. A fourth transition 34, afifth transition 35, and a sixth transition 36 may transition the modeof operation of blender 100 back to first state 35 a. First transition31 may occur responsive to detection of a combination of the first andsecond types of detection. Second transition 32 may occur responsive todetection of a combination of the first, second, and third typesdetection. Third transition 33 may occur responsive to detection of acombination of the first and second types of detection, in addition tomultiple different detections of the third type of detection. Fourthtransition 34, fifth transition 35, and sixth transition 36 may occurresponsive to one or more particular detections of a given type ofdetection (e.g., depletion of the rechargeable battery), and/orautomatically after a time-out.

By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3G illustrates state transitions ina state diagram 30 f as may be used by blender 100, e.g., responsive todifferent types of detections as described elsewhere in this disclosure.As depicted, state diagram 30 f may include a first state 35 a (labeled“S1”), a second state 35 b (labeled “S2”), a third state 35 c (labeled“S3”), a fourth state 35 d (labeled “S4”), and a fifth state 35 e(labeled “S5”). First state 35 a may correspond to a ready-to-blend modeof blender 100. Second state 35 b may correspond to the first power modeof operation of blender 100. Third state 35 c may correspond to thesecond power mode of operation of blender 100. Fourth state 35 d maycorrespond to the third power mode of operation of blender 100. Fifthstate 35 e may correspond to a fourth power mode of operation of blender100. As depicted here, a first transition 31 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from first state 35 a to second state 35 b. Asecond transition 32 may transition the mode of operation of blender 100from first state 35 a to third state 35 c. A third transition 33 maytransition the mode of operation of blender 100 from first state 35 a tofourth state 35 d. A fourth transition 34 may transition the mode ofoperation of blender 100 from first state 35 a to fifth state 35 e. Afifth transition 35, a sixth transition 36, a seventh transition 37, andan eighth transition 38 may transition the mode of operation of blender100 back to first state 35 a. First transition 31 may occur responsiveto detection of a combination of the first and second types ofdetection. Second transition 32 may occur responsive to detection of acombination of the first and second types of detection, in addition to athird type of detection that electrical power is available through theUSB port in the base assembly. Third transition 33 may occur responsiveto detection of a combination of the first and second types ofdetection, in addition to a different detection of the third type, thatelectrical power is available through the charging structure, which mayprovide wireless power transfer. Fourth transition 34 may occurresponsive to detection of a combination of the first and second typesof detection, in addition to multiple different and/or simultaneousdetections of the third type, that electrical power is available boththrough the charging structure, which may provide wireless powertransfer, and through the USB port. Fifth transition 35, sixthtransition 36, seventh transition 37, and eighth transition 38 may occurresponsive to one or more particular detections of a given type ofdetection (e.g., depletion of the rechargeable battery), and/orautomatically after a time-out.

In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured tosupport an empty-battery power mode of operation, during which noelectrical power is provided by (and/or insufficient electrical power isavailable through) rechargeable battery 15, but power is provided toelectrical motor 14 through one or more charging interfaces 25.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for controlling operation of a blenderto blend foodstuffs using different power modes, in accordance with oneor more implementations. The operations of method 200 presented beloware intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method 200 maybe accomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the operations of method 200 are illustrated in FIG.2 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 200 may be implemented using one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices executing some or allof the operations of method 200 in response to instructions storedelectronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 200.

At an operation 202, a first type of detections is made regarding usageof the control interface by a user. In some embodiments, operation 202is performed by control circuitry the same as or similar to controlcircuitry 17 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 204, a second type of detections is made regardingavailability of power from the rechargeable battery. In someembodiments, operation 204 is performed by control circuitry the same asor similar to control circuitry 17 (shown in FIG. 1 and describedherein).

At an operation 206, a third type of detections is made regarding usageof the one or more charging interfaces to conduct electrical power toone or both of the rechargeable battery and the electrical motor. Insome embodiments, operation 206 is performed by control circuitry thesame as or similar to control circuitry 17 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed herein).

At an operation 208, the electrical motor is controlled, based on one ormore detections of the first, second, and third type of detections,during rotation of the blending component using at least two differentpower modes of operation, including a first power mode of operation anda second power mode of operation. During the first power mode ofoperation, a first amount of electrical power is provided by therechargeable battery to the electrical motor such that the blendingcomponent is configured to rotate at a first rotational speed. The firstrotational speed is limited in the first power mode of operation by afirst rotational speed limit, wherein, in the first power mode ofoperation, the electrical motor is powered only by the rechargeablebattery, and wherein, during the second power mode of operation, asecond amount of electrical power is provided to the electrical motor.The second amount of electrical power is provided conjointly by therechargeable battery and through at least one of the one or morecharging interfaces such that the blending component is configured torotate at a second rotational speed. The second rotational speed islimited in the second power mode of operation by a second rotationalspeed limit. The second amount of electrical power is greater than thefirst amount of electrical power. The second rotational speed limit isgreater than the first rotational speed limit. In some embodiments,operation 208 is performed by control circuitry the same as or similarto control circuitry 17 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blender configured to blend foodstuffs usingdifferent power modes, the blender comprising: a base assembly, acontainer assembly, a blending component, a control interface, andcontrol circuitry, wherein the blending component is configured torotate around a rotational axis and blend the foodstuffs during blendingby the blender, wherein the base assembly includes: an electrical motorconfigured to drive rotation of the blending component; a rechargeablebattery configured to power the electrical motor; and one or morecharging interfaces configured to conduct electrical power to one orboth of the rechargeable battery and the electrical motor; wherein thecontainer assembly is configured to hold the foodstuffs within acontainer body during blending by the blender; wherein the controlinterface is configured to control operation of the blender upon usageof the control interface by a user; wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to: make a first type of detections regarding the usage ofthe control interface by the user; make a second type of detectionsregarding availability of power from the rechargeable battery; make athird type of detections regarding usage of the one or more charginginterfaces to conduct the electrical power to one or both of therechargeable battery and the electrical motor; control, based on one ormore detections of the first, second, and third type of detections, theelectrical motor during the rotation of the blending component using atleast two different power modes of operation, including a first powermode of operation and a second power mode of operation, wherein: (i)during the first power mode of operation, a first amount of electricalpower is provided by the rechargeable battery to the electrical motorsuch that the blending component is configured to rotate at a firstrotational speed, wherein the first rotational speed is limited in thefirst power mode of operation by a first rotational speed limit, (ii)during the second power mode of operation, a second amount of electricalpower is provided to the electrical motor, wherein the second amount ofelectrical power is provided conjointly by the rechargeable battery andthrough at least one of the one or more charging interfaces such thatthe blending component is configured to rotate at a second rotationalspeed, wherein the second rotational speed is limited in the secondpower mode of operation by a second rotational speed limit, wherein thesecond amount of electrical power is greater than the first amount ofelectrical power, and wherein the second rotational speed limit isgreater than the first rotational speed limit.
 2. The blender of claim1, wherein the control interface includes a button configured to bepushed by the user, wherein the first type of detections includesdetecting whether the button is being pushed.
 3. The blender of claim 2,wherein, responsive to: (i) a first detection of the first type ofdetections that the button has been pushed, (ii) a second detection ofthe second type of detections that the power from the rechargeablebattery is available, and (iii) a third detection of the third type ofdetections that none of the one or more charging interfaces are beingused to conduct the electrical power, the control circuitry isconfigured to control the electrical motor using the first power mode ofoperation.
 4. The blender of claim 2, wherein responsive to: (i) a firstdetection of the first type of detections that the button has beenpushed, (ii) a second detection of the second type of detections thatthe power from the rechargeable battery is available, and (iii) a thirddetection of the third type of detections that at least one of the oneor more charging interfaces is being used to conduct the electricalpower, the control circuitry is configured to control the electricalmotor using the second power mode of operation.
 5. The blender of claim1, wherein the one or more charging interfaces include a first charginginterface and a second charging interface, wherein the first charginginterface is a universal serial bus (USB) port, wherein the secondcharging interface is a wireless charging interface that includes asecondary coil, wherein the second charging interface supports inductivecharging through a charging structure that includes a primary coil, andwherein the charging structure is powered through an external powersource that is external to the blender.
 6. The blender of claim 5,wherein the at least two different power modes further include a thirdpower mode of operation, wherein, responsive to: (i) a first detectionof the first type of detections that the button has been pushed, (ii) asecond detection of the second type of detections that the power fromthe rechargeable battery is available, and (iii) a third detection ofthe third type of detections that both the first charging interface andthe second charging interface are being used to conduct the electricalpower, the control circuitry is configured to control the electricalmotor using the third power mode of operation, wherein, during the thirdpower mode of operation, a third amount of electrical power is providedto the electrical motor, wherein the third amount of electrical power isprovided conjointly by the rechargeable battery and both of the one ormore charging interfaces such that the blending component is configuredto rotate at a third rotational speed, wherein the third rotationalspeed is limited in the third power mode of operation by a thirdrotational speed limit, wherein the third amount of electrical power isgreater than the second amount of electrical power, and wherein thethird rotational speed limit is greater than the second rotational speedlimit.
 7. The blender of claim 5, wherein the at least two differentpower modes further include a fourth power mode of operation, wherein,responsive to: (i) a first detection of the first type of detectionsthat the button has been pushed, (ii) a second detection of the secondtype of detections that no power from the rechargeable battery isavailable, and (iii) a third detection of the third type of detectionsthat both the first charging interface and the second charging interfaceare being used to conduct the electrical power, the control circuitry isconfigured to control the electrical motor using the fourth power modeof operation, wherein, during the fourth power mode of operation, afourth amount of electrical power is provided to the electrical motor,wherein the fourth amount of electrical power is provided conjointly byboth of the one or more charging interfaces.
 8. The blender of claim 1,wherein the one or more charging interfaces include a first charginginterface and a second charging interface, wherein the first charginginterface is a universal serial bus (USB) port, wherein the secondcharging interface is a wired charging interface configured to coupleelectrically with an external power source that is external to theblender.
 9. The blender of claim 1, wherein the first power mode ofoperation and the second power mode of operation are mutually exclusive.10. The blender of claim 1, wherein the second rotational speed limit isat least 20% greater than the first rotational speed limit.
 11. A methodfor controlling operation of a blender to blend foodstuffs usingdifferent power modes, wherein the blender includes a control interface,a rechargeable battery, one or more charging interfaces, an electricalmotor, and a blending component, the method comprising: making a firsttype of detections regarding usage of the control interface by a user;making a second type of detections regarding availability of power fromthe rechargeable battery; making a third type of detections regardingusage of the one or more charging interfaces to conduct electrical powerto one or both of the rechargeable battery and the electrical motor; andcontrolling, based on one or more detections of the first, second, andthird type of detections, the electrical motor during rotation of theblending component using at least two different power modes ofoperation, including a first power mode of operation and a second powermode of operation, wherein: (i) during the first power mode ofoperation, a first amount of electrical power is provided by therechargeable battery to the electrical motor such that the blendingcomponent is configured to rotate at a first rotational speed, whereinthe first rotational speed is limited in the first power mode ofoperation by a first rotational speed limit, wherein, in the first powermode of operation, the electrical motor is powered only by therechargeable battery, and wherein (ii) during the second power mode ofoperation, a second amount of electrical power is provided to theelectrical motor, wherein the second amount of electrical power isprovided conjointly by the rechargeable battery and through at least oneof the one or more charging interfaces such that the blending componentis configured to rotate at a second rotational speed, wherein the secondrotational speed is limited in the second power mode of operation by asecond rotational speed limit, wherein the second amount of electricalpower is greater than the first amount of electrical power, and whereinthe second rotational speed limit is greater than the first rotationalspeed limit.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the control interfaceincludes a button, and wherein making a first type of detectionsincludes detecting whether the button is being pushed.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein, responsive to: (i) a first detection of the firsttype of detections that the button has been pushed, (ii) a seconddetection of the second type of detections that the power from therechargeable battery is available, and (iii) a third detection of thethird type of detections that none of the one or more charginginterfaces are being used to conduct the electrical power, controllingthe electrical motor includes controlling the electrical motor using thefirst power mode of operation.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinresponsive to: (i) a first detection of the first type of detectionsthat the button has been pushed, (ii) a second detection of the secondtype of detections that the power from the rechargeable battery isavailable, and (iii) a third detection of the third type of detectionsthat at least one of the one or more charging interfaces is being usedto conduct the electrical power, controlling the electrical motorincludes controlling the electrical motor using the second power mode ofoperation.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more charginginterfaces include a first charging interface and a second charginginterface, wherein the first charging interface is a universal serialbus (USB) port, wherein the second charging interface is a wirelesscharging interface that includes a secondary coil, wherein the secondcharging interface supports inductive charging through a chargingstructure that includes a primary coil, the method further comprising:powering the charging structure through an external power source that isexternal to the blender.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the atleast two different power modes further include a third power mode ofoperation, wherein, responsive to: (i) a first detection of the firsttype of detections that the button has been pushed, (ii) a seconddetection of the second type of detections that the power from therechargeable battery is available, and (iii) a third detection of thethird type of detections that both the first charging interface and thesecond charging interface are being used to conduct the electricalpower, controlling the electrical motor includes controlling theelectrical motor using the third power mode of operation, wherein,during the third power mode of operation, a third amount of electricalpower is provided to the electrical motor, wherein the third amount ofelectrical power is provided conjointly by the rechargeable battery andboth of the one or more charging interfaces such that the blendingcomponent is configured to rotate at a third rotational speed, whereinthe third rotational speed is limited in the third power mode ofoperation by a third rotational speed limit, wherein the third amount ofelectrical power is greater than the second amount of electrical power,and wherein the third rotational speed limit is greater than the secondrotational speed limit.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstpower mode of operation and the second power mode of operation aremutually exclusive.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the secondrotational speed limit is at least 20% greater than the first rotationalspeed limit, and wherein the second amount of electrical power is atleast 20% greater than the first amount of electrical power.